Morse, Sound and Light Signals

SOS in Morse is three short, three long, three short. It can be sent by light, sound, or any other signalling method. A safe water mark often uses Morse A, which is dot dash. A Yachtmaster should recognise these common Morse patterns even if they cannot send fluent Morse.

Sound signals are not only for fog. COLREGs include manoeuvring and warning signals in sight of other vessels, such as one short blast for altering course to starboard, two short blasts for port, three short blasts for operating astern propulsion, and five or more short blasts for doubt or danger.